It’s been so sad to see Refinery29 UK close, but so nice to see what it meant to writers like me and to give editors like L’Oréal their flowers for creating space for our stories. More thoughts on Substack: susanbooksetc.substack.com/p/refinery29...
Crying in the Commons: why are women’s workplace tears a source of shame?
(Buying books again, and I don’t want to hear your concerns.)
Writing about how at-home smear tests could help women of faith who feel anxious or conflicted about screening and may have delayed/avoided them. Would love to hear from women of all faiths, all stories will be handled with sensitivity and can be anon. DMs open❤️ #journorequest
Were you expecting to be your friend’s bridesmaid but weren’t asked? I’m writing a sensitive piece for PopSugar and would love to hear from you. DMs open 💌 #journorequest
I'm working on a piece for The Rendition about Black love stories on stage, and I’m looking to speak with Black theatre actors - whether you've been in such plays, would like to be, or enjoy them! 💕 If this sounds like you, please message me #journorequest
Shared my first Substack video this weekend, sharing my favourite non-fiction reads of 2024 (yes, I know I’m late & Q1 of 2025 is almost over 🌚)
Mostly memoirs, about body image, death, one on rebuilding trust with others.
✨link in the bio✨
😭💀
There was a whole argument on X earlier this week about how there's not 'Pitchfork for cinema' like LWL wasn't called that by the head of Pitchfork at SXSW a decade ago. Yeah our marketing and distro sucks. We are literally 3 people lol. But we're here!
Never gets old ❤️
Last book that made me feel this way was Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad, I love this feeling so much!
Women Who Love Too Much, a seminal (1985!) work on the complex factors behind our romantic choices. Much of its content has since been distilled into modern self-help but as a therapist, the author uses her patients' experiences to explain dynamics
Under The Influence by Noelle Crooks. A fun exposé of what it’s like to work behind the scenes for a big influencer. I just learnt the author used to work for Rachel Hollis .. yikes🥴
Thank you!
I'd love to be added 😊
It worked! It seems it was an issue on my end as I also had trouble sending an email to another tcolondon address. My apologies if you've now got the same email from me a few times 🙈
Hi Issac, your email keeps bouncing for me 🥲
Currently Reading
The same story told from 3 perspectives: a woman, her husband and her best friend. A retelling 3 times didn't do it for me. Gets interesting riiiight at the end - tension builds, playing around with character, and then it's over. Still not sure what I make of it.
I don't enjoy writing book reviews 😅 so this thread is just to share what I'm reading in 2025, if you'd like some inspo. I'll share thoughts if I feel like it.
The internet has been waiting for this piece, on how Black women challenge conservative beauty trends, for too long. www.refinery29.com/en-us/conser... Nicely done, @susanaky.bsky.social
Thank youu 🥹♥️
This is the most considered response you'll read to this story
Hiii! Fellow book lover & culture writer here 😊
Two stages of writing:
1) This shouldn't take too long
2) Oh no
